Vermont Man And 40-Year-Old Horse Form Unbreakable Bond, They Saved Each Other

The bond between the man and the horse you are about to meet is one of those unique bonds that almost defy understanding. The two found each other just in time. Each one helped the other one through some pretty major stuff. We would like you to meet Donnie MacAdams and his 40-year-old horse, Waco Hanover. Waco is a retired harness racer.

Here’s their story.

WACO AND DONNIE

Donnie is an older man who is typical of Vermont. He’s a hard-working, no-nonsense, self-proclaimed “grumpy old man.”

Generally, a horse’s life expectancy is only around 25 years. Considering that Waco turned 40 at the beginning of this year, that makes him one heck of an elderly horse. That actually equals 120 people years.

BEST FRIENDS

Donnie lives in an apartment above the barn. He cares for the horses as well as shares space with them. Out of all the horses, though, he and Waco’s relationship is special.

Eight years ago, Donnie moved into his apartment there and met Waco at that time. When he moved in, Waco seemed to be nearing the end of his life. He wasn’t eating, and Donnie thought perhaps he should dig a hole because it didn’t look like Waco would make it through the winter.

Waco wasn’t sick, though, he was lonely. So, Donnie (even though he acts like a tough guy) went into the barn and had a heart to heart with Waco for about half an hour. In that time, Donnie explained to Waco that, “I ain’t going anywhere, I’m your buddy.”

‘I’M YOUR BUDDY’

Eight years later, here we are. Man and horse formed such a bond; it seems unreal.

These two hardscrabble old dudes aren’t exactly warm and fuzzy — but that doesn’t matter to either one. They make it work, somehow.

“He’s a cranky old SOB, just like I am,” said Donnie.

Image Screenshot from CBS Sunday Morning via YouTube Video

For fun, the two best friends eat animal crackers together and hang out.

LEAN ON ME

Donnie saved Waco just in time, though, for Waco to save him right back because Donnie had a heart attack. After the heart attack, Donnie had a long and challenging recovery period that he didn’t think he would ever get through.

Waco didn’t leave his side. For the entire recovery, Waco had Donnie’s back lending strength, love, and most importantly friendship. Finally, with Waco’s help, Donnie recovered and got back to his old self.

Donnie describes getting home from work at the end of the stressful day. He walks straight to Waco’s paddock and leans into the gate. Waco then comes over and puts his head over Donnie’s shoulder and chews. According to Donnie, Waco’s nuzzles melt the stress of the day away instantly.

Tammie has loved animals since she was a child. She was always bringing home strays to rescue and care for them. Her love for our furry friends has carried over into her work as a writer and one of her favorite parts of every day is when she gets to write about these delightful creatures.